March to a Million Meals: Why do people give?

Some people simply give because they can.

Bob and Karen Nagy said they watch the news every night and sees the images of people lining up for food drives.

“It’s really … heart-wrenching,” Karen said. “We’re the lucky ones. We don’t have to worry about where our next meal is coming from.”

That’s why Bob and Karen decided to donate their stimulus check to the Harry Chapin Food Bank. During the month of February, WINK News is hosting the March to a Million Meals in hopes of raising $400,000 that will go toward providing a million meals in Southwest Florida. More than $200,000 was raised by Thursday, including the donation from the Nagy family.

“Well we really didn’t need it, so if we are able, we are going to give,” Karen said.

Kristine Kempkers, the owner of the Sandcastle Gifts and Gourmet on Sanibel, said she gives because her customers give to her.

“It’s pretty devastating,” Kempkers said.

“How can I not? how can I not look at this shop and know it’s a miracle and not want to share in that miracle,” she added.

Some people give because they know what it’s like to need. That’s the case for Susan and Guy Leekey. It was the lake 1960’s and the two were new parents.

“I was newly out of the Air Force,” Guy said. “I was laid off, we had just bought a house, we didn’t have much money so I painted houses.”

The two lived off of food stamps.

“I really feel for people with the pressure of the COVID, that’s probably got to be a lot worse than what we went through,” Guy said.

Susan said she just wanted her children to eat then. That’s why the couple gives.

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If you would like to donate to WINK News’ March to a Million Meals, head to WINKfeedsfamilies.com.